How to write an effective human resources manager resume
Get hired to hire.
Being in charge of a department that is seen as a backbone of any organization brings certainly a lot of responsibilities. As an HR manager, not only are you expected to hire the best people, but you should also make them want to stay.
To make this happen, you manage training and development, benefit programs, health, safety and payroll. You also play a crucial role when it comes to firing employees, however unpleasant this part of the job is.
All these responsibilities require a combination of a solid skill-set and an amazingly crafted resume.
Keep reading and learn:
- How to properly format your HR manager resume
- How to write a compelling resume summary
- How to craft your HR manager skill set CV section
- How to best describe your HR work experience
- How to make your resume education section sparkle
- What additional sections best fit your HR manager resume
1. How to properly format your HR manager resume
As a book cover that can sell a book, your resume format can appeal to a hiring manager at first glance.
Make it simple, clear and well-arranged with the following tips:
- Include first your personal details such as name, phone number, email and a social media link if relevant.
- Organize and divide your resume sections neatly.
- Use clear and big enough headings.
- List your work experiences in a reverse-chronological order.
- Remember to use white space between individual segments for easy navigation.
- Pick a clean and legible typeface such as Calibri, Georgia or Cambria.
- Avoid bright colors and flashy graphics.
- Always check for consistency in your resume.
- Save your CV as a PDF document.
Choose your preferred template and make your resume shine.
2. How to write a compelling professional summary for your HR manager resume
You know what an HR manager role brings with it when it comes to deciding whom to hire. What type of professional summary would you like to see?
It would surely be the one that is relevant, easy to read, captivating and involving quantified achievements.
HR manager professional summary example
Self-driven HR Manager with 3+ years of experience working in human resources management. Adept in hiring the best employees, handling payroll, designing benefit programs and developing work policies. Mentored 5 members of the team in order to improve health and safety solutions for employees. Implemented work from home policy decreasing PTO. Reduced absence rate by 54% through providing engaging employee programs. Incremented overall employee satisfaction by 30% within 3 months.
3. How to effectively craft your HR manager skill-set resume section
There is undoubtedly a variety of skills that you need as an HR Manager.
To make sure you mention first the ones that your future employer is looking for, refer back to the job posting and highlight the ones that match your skills.
You may soon discover that such competencies as communication, empathy or organization will almost certainly be required.
The best HR manager soft skills for your resume
- Outstanding communication
- Empathy and compassion
- Organization
- Time management
- Negotiation
- Teamwork
- Flexibility
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
Besides highlighting your soft skills, remember to embrace technology. It is vital to be familiar with HR software, helping you manage payroll, attendance, benefits management or vacation requests.
Effective HR manager hard skills
- Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS)
- Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)
- Human Capital Management (HCM)
- Payroll Systems
- MS Office
4. How to best describe your HR work experience
To describe your previous roles using the most relevant duties and accomplishments, just imagine all your responsibilities you will have in the job you are applying for.
Well, you actually do not need imagination for this one. All you need is in the job posting.
Read through what will be expected from you, and tailor your work experience section accordingly.
The following tips may be of help:
- Mention only the most relevant and significant responsibilities you handled.
- Keep the number of bullet points moderately low, so that you do not overbear the hiring manager with unnecessary information.
- Measure your success and quantify your achievements.
- Use strong verbs such as enhance, increment, stimulate, spearhead, mentor, develop, escalate, etc.
HR manager work experience section example
Mark & Benson
Human Resources Manager
2015–2018
- Developed work policies and designed benefit programs.
- Implemented innovative employee performance metrics.
- Reduced absence rate by 54% through providing engaging employee programs.
- Mentored 5 members of the team in order to improve health and safety solutions for employees.
5. How to make your HR manager education section sparkle
You can always get some extra points for your education section if you proudly mention your relevant coursework, areas of interest or achievements. Make sure you stay to-the-point and concise.
University of Europe
BA in Human Resource Management
2010–2013
- Area of interest: Human Resource Ethics
- Excelled in Business Management
- Relevant Coursework: Strategic Management, Legal Environment of Business, Employee Retention, International HRM, Business Management, Human Resource Ethics
6. What are the best-fitting additional sections for your HR manager resume
Well, the answer might be, “Any that reflect your character traits, skills and expertise relevant to the job”.
- Certifications
- Awards
- Language Skills
- Interests
- Volunteering Activities
- Testimonials from Employees
Listing additional sections in your resume
Certifications
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM Certification), 2018
- HR Certification, 2017
Volunteering activities
- Volunteer HR Consultant, XYZ Non-Profit Organization, City, State (2018-2020)
- Provided strategic HR guidance and support to the organization, including recruitment, employee relations, and performance management.
- Developed and delivered HR training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of volunteers and staff.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices.
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